Wearable body-positioning devices and methods

ABSTRACT

A device for positioning a body of a wearer includes a garment adapted to be worn on a body of a wearer, and an elongate member coupled to the garment and having a longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to a spine of the wearer when the garment is being worn by the wearer. The member supports a portion of the wearer&#39;s body in an elevated position when the wearer lays thereon. This in turn may urge a portion of the user&#39;s body, e.g., head, towards or away from a given position. Another embodiment includes a garment adapted to be worn around at least a torso of a wearer, and a member coupled to the garment, the member supporting a portion of the wearer&#39;s torso in an elevated position when the wearer lays thereon for urging a head of the wearer away from a particular orientation. Kits and methods are also presented.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/654,534 filed Feb. 18, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to medical devices, and more particularly,this invention relates to wearable devices and methods of use thereoffor positioning a body of a wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since 1992 when the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommendingthat all infants sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant DeathSyndrome (SIDS), the incidence of positional plagiocephaly (also calleddeformational plagiocephaly) has increased dramatically. Positionalplagiocephaly refers to a flattening of the back of the head, possibleasymmetry of the shape of the skull, and potential bulges on the side ofthe head opposite the flattening. Positional plagiocephaly is believedto be caused by repeated prolonged pressure on a similar area of thehead. As the brain and cranium grow, they expand in the direction ofleast resistance, i.e., the sides and front that are not in contact withthe sleeping surface. Over time, positional plagiocephaly may result.Positional plagiocephaly is now believed to occur in one of every 60live births, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.Although considerable deformity, including facial deformity, may bepresent, most cases of positional plagiocephaly are considered cosmeticrather than medical issues because the condition is not believed toimpact brain function and development.

There are currently three recognized treatments for plagiocephaly. Themost common treatment is referred to as ′repositioning,″ and it amountsto positioning (and continually repositioning) the child such that thechild does not lay or put pressure on the flat spot while either wakingor asleep. Generally, a piece of fabric such as a rolled up towel,folded blanket, or commercially available wedge of foam is placed behindor under the child on the side opposite the flat spot while he isseated, reclining, or sleeping, in order to turn the head to keep thehead's weight off of the flattened area. Often a foam headrest is alsoused as a preventative measure to distribute the head's weight over alarger area of the head. These approaches are most effective before thechild is mobile enough to move from the desired position and off thepositioning pad or pillow. Unfortunately, this often means that by thetime the parents and doctor decide the condition warrants intervention,the child is so mobile that repositioning is of limited effectiveness.This treatment also requires considerable vigilance on the part of thechild's parents, as the child must be continually repositioned as he orshe moves. For this reason, this treatment has proven to be of limitedefficacy. Such treatments may even be detrimental to the child. Forinstance, if the child rolls over in the headrest, the child mayrebreathe air or even suffocate. Rebreathing air is believed to berelated to SIDS.

In another treatment, physical therapy is used to stretch the neckmuscles that lead to the tendency for the infant to turn his head in onedirection. This method is used only when tight muscles are theunderlying cause of plagiocephaly, which is not always the case.

The third treatment is a custom-made orthotic helmet designed to protectthe flattened area and even reshape the head. These helmets areexpensive (currently approximately $2800+) and often are not covered byinsurance because positional plagiocephaly is generally considered acosmetic issue by the medical community. The helmet typically must beworn at least 20 hours a day for between two and eight months, and mustbe periodically adjusted to accommodate head growth and reshaping. Mostparents seek to avoid having to use the helmet both because of the costand the stigma of having their child wear such an obtrusive orthoticdevice. Further, children often develop sore spots where the helmetexerts pressure on the head, and helmets are hot and generally becomeodorous with use.

What is therefore needed is a body positioning device that overcomes thedrawbacks of the aforementioned methods. What is also needed is a bodypositioning device that moves with the child so that no matter how thechild attempts to reposition himself, the head will be urged away fromthe flattened area. Further, what is also needed is a device that isadaptable such that a different portion of the child's head is incontact with the sleeping surface at different points in time so as toprevent positional plagiocephaly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device for positioning a body of a wearer according to one embodimentincludes a garment adapted to be worn on a body of a wearer, and anelongate member coupled to the garment and having a longitudinal axisoriented generally parallel to a spine of the wearer when the garment isbeing worn by the wearer. The member supports a portion of the wearer'sbody in an elevated position when the wearer lays thereon. This in turnmay urge a portion of the user's body, e.g., head, towards or away froma given position.

A device for positioning a body according to another embodiment includesa garment adapted to be worn around at least a torso of a wearer, and anelongate member coupled to the garment and having a longitudinal axisoriented generally parallel to a spine of the wearer when the garment isbeing worn by the wearer. The member supports a portion of the wearer'storso in an elevated position when the wearer lays thereon for urging ahead of the wearer away from a particular orientation.

A device for positioning a body according to yet another embodimentincludes a garment adapted to be worn around at least a torso of awearer, and a member coupled to the garment. The member supports aportion of the wearer's torso in an elevated position when the wearerlays thereon for urging a head of the wearer away from a particularorientation.

Preferably, the member is detachably coupled to the garment, and may becoupled to the garment in a position such that the member is locatedalong the wearer's back when the garment is being worn by the wearer.For instance, the member may have an upper end positioned towards a neckof the wearer when the garment is being worn by the wearer, wherein theupper end of the member is positioned below a base of the neck of thewearer when the garment is being worn by the wearer. Also, the membermay have a lower end positioned towards a waist of the wearer when thegarment is being worn by the wearer, wherein the lower end of the memberis positioned below hips of the wearer when the garment is being worn bythe wearer. The member may be selectively pivotable from a left to aright side of the wearer's back when the garment is being worn by thewearer.

A sleeve may be provided for coupling the member to the garment, themember being inserted in the sleeve. In some embodiments, the sleeve isdetachably coupled to the garment. The member may be removable from thesleeve.

The member may be selectively positionable along a line orientedparallel to the spine of the wearer. The member may also be selectivelypositionable along a line oriented perpendicular to the spine of thewearer.

The member may have various cross-sectional shapes, such as generallytriangular, generally tubular, generally rectangular, generallysemi-spherical, and generally semi-oval.

In another embodiment, the member has an upper end positioned towards aneck of the wearer when the garment is being worn by the wearer, whereinthe upper end of the member has a cutout portion. A further embodimentincludes a head-positioning portion adapted for receiving a head of thewearer.

The garment may include multiple apertures for receiving extremities ofthe wearer.

As noted above, the member may be coupled to the garment in a positionsuch that the member is located along a back of the wearer when thegarment is being worn by the wearer. In other embodiments, the member iscoupled to the garment in a position such that the member is locatedalong a chest of the wearer when the garment is being worn by thewearer.

A kit containing a device for positioning a body according to oneembodiment includes a garment adapted to be worn on a body of a wearerand at least one member being coupleable to the garment, the at leastone member being for supporting a portion of the wearer's body in anelevated position when the wearer lays thereon. The kit may also includeone or more sleeves being coupleable to the garment, the sleeve(s) beingfor receiving the at least one member for coupling the at least onemember to the garment. The kit may further include multiple members,wherein at least some of the members have differing longitudinal lengthsand/or differing cross sectional shapes. A head-supporting portion thatis operatively coupleable to the garment may also be included in thekit.

A method for assisting in urging a head of the wearer away from aparticular orientation includes the steps of selecting a garment adaptedto be worn on a body of a wearer, the garment having a member coupledthereto, the member supporting a portion of the wearer's body in anelevated position when the wearer lays thereon such that a head of thewearer is urged away from a particular orientation; and assisting inacquiring possession of the garment by the wearer.

A method for treating plagiocephaly includes instructing a human to weara device as recited above. Another method for treating plagiocephalyincludes wearing a device as recited above. A method for preventingplagiocephaly includes instructing a human to wear a device as recitedabove, and repositioning the member after a period of time elapses.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken inconjunction with the drawings, illustrate by way of example theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, as well as the preferred mode of use, reference should bemade to the following detailed description read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a wearable device for positioning a body of awearer according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a back view of the device of FIG. 1 showing a member on a leftside.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the device of FIG. 1 showing a member on aright side.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the device in use.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a member according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a member according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a member according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a device for positioning a body of a weareraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the device of FIG. 8 with the member in areversed position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a member according to an embodiment ofthe present invention FIG. 11 is a front view of a device forpositioning a body of a wearer according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is a back view of the device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a device for positioning a body of a weareraccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a representative view of a kit according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following description is the best mode presently contemplated forcarrying out the present invention. This description is made for thepurpose of illustrating the general principles of the present inventionand is not meant to limit the inventive concepts claimed herein.Further, particular features described herein can be used in combinationwith other described features in each of the various possiblecombinations and permutations.

In the drawings, like and equivalent elements are numbered the samethroughout the various figures.

The present invention includes devices for positioning a body andmethods for using such devices. In its simplest form, a device accordingto one embodiment of the present invention includes a garment adapted tobe worn on a body of a wearer, and a member coupled to the garment, themember supporting a portion of the wearer's body in an elevated positionwhen the wearer lies thereon.

Embodiments of the invention provide a comfortable, nonobtrusive devicethat a person such as an infant can wear to help prevent and treatpositional plagiocephaly. Aspects of the invention may take advantage ofthe ′repositioning″ treatment technique, but because the garment isattached to the child and therefore ′inescapable″ (that is, the childcan't roll away from it), it alleviates the constant parental vigilancerepositioning treatment previously required and makes the window forrepositioning treatment much longer. The same and other embodiments maybe used to treat or prevent other maladies or injury, as well as allowpositioning of the head or other body part toward or away from a certainposition.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate a device 100 for positioning a body according toone embodiment. As shown, the device includes a garment 102 adapted tobe worn on a body of a wearer 104. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, an elongatemember 106 is coupled to the garment 102. The elongate member 106 has alongitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to the spine of the wearerwhen the garment 102 is being worn by the wearer, the member 106supporting a portion of the wearer's body in an elevated position whenthe wearer lies thereon, as shown in FIG. 4. The member 106 serves toposition the wearer such that the wearer sleeps or reclines in therecommended supine position, but lies with the weight of his head awayfrom the flat spot or in differing positions in the case of preventativeuse.

In this particular embodiment, best seen in FIGS. 1-3, the garment 102takes the form of a vest with one or more sleeves 108 on the back thathold the member 106, thereby coupling it to the garment 102.

In the various embodiments of the present invention, the garment 102 canbe any type of garment 102 that keeps the member 106 positioned towardsthe wearer's back (or front). The garment 102 can be specificallydesigned for the purposes set forth herein. Conventional garments 102such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, slipovers, “onesies,” pajamas, vests,etc. can be modified as well.

Various features that ease insertion and removal of the wearer therefromcan be added to the garment 102, such as detachable shoulder covers,openable front, etc. A cinchable or elastic torso and/or waist sectioncan also be provided to not only keep the garment 102 fitting snugly tothe wearer so that the member 106 is positioned properly, but also allowresizing the garment 102 as the wearer grows. In the illustrativeembodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the garment 102 is fastened snugly around thewearer with snaps or other fasteners 112 on the front. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the garment 102 includes an adjustment flap120 that is coupleable to another portion of the garment 102 via asuitable fastener, e.g., hooks and loops fastener, to allow selectivesetting of the garment 102 tension around the wearer's body. The garment102 may also have snaps or other fasteners 112 over the shoulders toenable the garment 102 to be put on and taken off an infant easilywithout having to put his arms through fixed armholes 110.

The garment 102 can be constructed of any suitable material, includingcotton, cotton/polyester blend, polyester, a resiliently deformablematerial such as spandex, netting, etc. and combinations of differentmaterials. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the kinds andtypes of materials used to construct the garment 102 is not critical andvirtually any material can be used.

The garment 102 preferably includes holes 110 for the extremities, e.g.,arms and/or legs. See FIGS. 1-2. Inserting the extremities through holes110 keeps the garment 102 from significantly sliding around the body ofthe wearer. A crotch strap 126 (FIG. 13) or the like can also be presentto keep the garment 102 from cinching up the waist and/or torso of thewearer.

The member 106 may take various forms. For example, illustrativecross-sectional shapes of the member 106 include tubular or oval (FIG.5), square or rectangular (FIG. 6), arced or hemispherical (FIG. 7) thatcauses the wearer to roll one way or the other, or any other desirableshape. See also FIG. 14, which shows several other illustrative shapes.

FIGS. 8-10 show another embodiment having a triangular or “wedge” shapedmember 106. The member 106 in FIG. 8 is thicker on the wearer's right,causing the head to lean to the left. In FIG. 9, the member's positionhas been reversed, causing the wearer's head to lean to the right.Similarly, in FIGS. 2 and 3, note that the member 106 is positioned tothe wearer's left in FIG. 2 and to the right in FIG. 3.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a triangular or “wedge” shaped member106 is inserted in a sleeve 108 that is coupled to the middle back ofthe garment 102, and so can be flopped to the left or right depending onthe wearer's needs.

Note that in FIG. 10, the member 106 includes a removable, washablecasing 122 surrounding an insert (not shown).

The length, width, and thickness of the member 106 is not critical. Onedesigning the member 106 should consider the comfort of the wearer andthe desired position of the head, among other things. Additionalfeatures such as tapering, contouring, etc. may be added to the member.

The member 106 is preferably lightweight yet durable so it does notbreak down over time. The member 106 is preferably resilientlydeformable so that it is comfortable yet provides the desired support.Illustrative materials from which the member 106 may be constructedinclude plastics, polymeric foams such as memory foams, sponges,Styrofoam, cotton, balls as in a bean bag, etc.

The positioning of the member 106 may be important when the wearer is aninfant. For instance, the member 106 should be positioned low enough onthe wearer's back to be below the base of the neck so as not tohyperextend the wearer's neck. Preferably the upper end of the member106 is positioned at some point between the shoulder blades, or slightlythereabove. The lower end of the member 106 should extend to below thehip, and preferably at least to the base of the backbone so that thewearer's back remains straight, thereby avoiding twisting of the spine.

Longer members 106 are also contemplated. For example, the member 106may have a cutout at its upper end, e.g., to avoid contact with the neckand/or head. This configuration is useful, for example, where the member106 extends beyond the base of the neck. This configuration also allowsuse of a longer member 106 which may be repositioned as the child grows.

The member 106 can be permanently coupled to the garment 102, e.g.,integral thereto. In such embodiments, the member 106 can be sewn intothe garment 102, formed directly thereon or therein, adhered theretowith an adhesive, etc.

Preferably, however, the member 106 is detachable so as to allow washingand drying of the garment 102 without any deleterious effects on themember 106. For example, the member 106 may have a coupling mechanismthereon for direct attachment to the garment 102. Suitable fasteners 112for the member 106 as well as other portions of the device 100 includezippers, hooks and loops fasteners 112, buttons, snaps, thread, etc. Oneskilled in the art will appreciate the many ways that the various partsof the inventive device 100 may be coupled together.

In a preferred embodiment, the garment 102 includes a sleeve 108 intowhich the member 106 is insertable, as shown in FIGS. 2-3. The sleeve108 may or may not be detachable from the garment 102. Illustrativesleeves 108 have one or more fasteners 112 at or along one end thereof,along an outer or inner side thereof, etc. FIG. 12 illustrates a sleeve108 in the form of a pocket, with a fastener along the top edge thereof.

The member 106 may be selectively positionable vertically (parallel tothe spine) and/or horizontally (perpendicular to the spine). Verticalpositionability allows setting the proper position of the member 106relative to the base of the neck. Horizontal positionability allowssetting the general angle of tilt of the child's head, thereby allowingmore accurate avoidance of the flat or injured spot on the head, whilealso allowing positioning about the center of pivoting of the head onthe high spot for example. Thus, the member 106 can be optimallypositioned for a given child, as well as periodically adjusted as thechild grows.

As an option, as shown in FIG. 13, the device 100 may include ahead-positioning portion 124, which is positioned under the child'shead. The head-positioning portion 124 is preferably coupled to themember 106 so that the head-positioning portion 124 moves with thechild, and thereby avoids problems such as improper placement andrebreathing air. The head-positioning portion 124 may be similar inconstitution, construction, and attachment as the member 106.

As shown in FIG. 14, a kit 140 includes a garment 102, one or moremembers 106, optionally one or more sleeves 108, and optionally ahead-supporting portion 124. A single member 106 may be provided that islonger than needed, and which can be cut to the desired length. A singlesleeve 108 may have an internal fastener that allows internal couplingof the member 106 to the sleeve 108, and/or may have an internalfastener such as a hooks and loops fastener that allows variable-lengthor fixed-length coupling of opposing internal sides of the sleeve 108together so that the member 106 is held in a desired vertical positionin the sleeve 108. Also, multiple members 106 of varying length and/orshape can be provided so as to allow selection of a member 106 ormembers 106 that will work best for the child at a particular stage inthe child's development. The kit may include a left and a right member106 so that the child rests at alternate pivot angles.

There have thus been presented various embodiments of the device.Illustrative variations on the device to serve different needs arepresented immediately below.

One variation that could typically be used for treatment of positionalplagiocephaly has a member in a fixed position on either the left or theright. In this case, the sleeve may be permanently affixed to the vestbody in the desired position, but has snaps or other fasteners down thelength of the sleeve or pocket to enable easy removal of the member.

In a variation that may be used for prevention of positionalplagiocephaly, the position of the member is changed from side to sideon alternate nights or in the case where the flattened area is in themiddle of the back of the head. Such an embodiment may include a movablesleeve such that the padding can be moved from one side to the other onthe same garment. In these instances the sleeve is preferably attachedto the garment on both sides via fasteners such as snaps, zippers,buttons, hook and loop fasteners, etc. or some combination of these.Having snaps or other fasteners on both sides of the sleeve or pocketboth enables the padding to be removed for laundering and enables thesleeve to be moved from one side to the other and re-fastened asdesired.

Different sizes and shapes of the member may be used based on the angleof inclination required to position the child away from his flat spot.

In use, in cases of positional plagiocephaly on the side of the back ofthe head, for example, the member is inserted into the sleeve that runsalong the back of the garment from the shoulder to just below thewearer's waist, on the side of the flattened area. Thus the wearer willlie on his back at a bit of an angle, leaning away from the side withthe padding, making the wearer tend to turn his head away from theflattened area and onto the ′high″ area. This is precisely the positiondesired for the ′repositioning″ treatment of positional plagiocephaly.For example, suppose a child has a flat spot on the left back side ofhis head. When he sleeps on his back while wearing the garment withmember down the left side of his back, his head will tend to turn to theright, keeping the weight of the head off from the flat spot and on the′high″ spot.

To prevent the development of positional plagiocephaly in a very younginfant or to treat a flattened area in the middle of the back of thehead, the child alternates the side of the head that bears weight bywearing the device with a sleeve and member on the left side one nightand the device with the member on the right side on the following night(or some other period, e.g., every second night, every fourth night,etc). The device can be made with two sleeves or pockets on the back sothat the padding is simply alternated between the two pockets onalternate nights. The device is most effective when worn by the childduring the time of most rapid cranial growth, which is the first 18months of life.

Embodiments have thus been described which both make the repositioningtreatment more effective and extend the time during which repositioningmay be used well into the time the child is mobile. It also requiresless constant vigilance from parents. Because the repositioningmechanism is attached to the child, even as he moves around in his crib,whenever he is on his back, the device is in place. (Note that if thechild rolls over to sleep on his stomach or side he is automaticallyrelieving pressure from the flat spot). Although once they become mobilechildren do turn over in their sleep, placing the child down to sleep ontheir back is still recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics tohelp prevent SIDS. Embodiments of the present invention has thepotential to prevent children with mild to moderate positionalplagiocephaly from having to enter helmet therapy. This will save manyfamilies from the costs, the inconveniences and the stigma of having towear a helmet and will enable families without access to medical care atreatment option for what can be a disfiguring condition. It will alsosave parents the considerable stress associated with the constantlyrepositioning a child each time he moves to keep pressure off from theflat spot.

The device can also be worn with the member in front of the wearer tolimit rotation of the head when lying on the stomach. When using thedevice in such an embodiment, one should be aware of the possibility ofrebreathing air and suffocation, and prepare the bed or cribaccordingly.

A method for assisting in urging a head of the wearer away from aparticular orientation includes the steps of selecting a garment adaptedto be worn on a body of a wearer, the garment having a member coupledthereto, the member supporting a portion of the wearer's body in anelevated position when the wearer lays thereon such that a head of thewearer is urged away from a particular orientation; and assisting inacquiring possession of the garment by the wearer. A method for treatingplagiocephaly includes instructing a human to wear a device as recitedabove. Another method for treating plagiocephaly includes wearing adevice as recited above. A method for preventing plagiocephaly includesinstructing a human to wear a device as recited above, and repositioningthe member after a period of time elapses. It is anticipated thatdoctors, pediatricians, physical therapists, parents and others willperform these methods by recommending or prescribing use of any of theembodiments or permutations described herein.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment shouldnot be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, butshould be defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

1. A device for positioning a body, comprising: a garment adapted to beworn on a body of a wearer; and an elongate member coupled to thegarment and having a longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to aspine of the wearer when the garment is being worn by the wearer, themember supporting a portion of the wearer's body in an elevated positionwhen the wearer lays thereon.
 2. A device as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a sleeve for coupling the member to the garment, the memberbeing inserted in the sleeve.
 3. A device as recited in claim 2, whereinthe sleeve is detachably coupled to the garment.
 4. A device as recitedin claim 2, wherein the member is removable from the sleeve.
 5. A deviceas recited in claim 1, wherein the member is detachably coupled to thegarment.
 6. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the member iscoupled to the garment in a position such that the member is locatedalong the wearer's back when the garment is being worn by the wearer. 7.A device as recited in claim 6, wherein the member has an upper endpositioned towards a neck of the wearer when the garment is being wornby the wearer, wherein the upper end of the member is positioned below abase of the neck of the wearer when the garment is being worn by thewearer.
 8. A device as recited in claim 6, wherein the member has alower end positioned towards a waist of the wearer when the garment isbeing worn by the wearer, wherein the lower end of the member ispositioned below hips of the wearer when the garment is being worn bythe wearer.
 9. A device as recited in claim 6, wherein the member isselectively pivotable from a left to a right side of the wearer's backwhen the garment is being worn by the wearer.
 10. A device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the member is selectively positionable along a lineoriented parallel to the spine of the wearer.
 11. A device as recited inclaim 1, wherein the member is selectively positionable along a lineoriented perpendicular to the spine of the wearer.
 12. A device asrecited in claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the member isselected from a group consisting of generally triangular, generallytubular, generally rectangular, generally semi-spherical, and generallysemi-oval.
 13. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the member has anupper end positioned towards a neck of the wearer when the garment isbeing worn by the wearer, wherein the upper end of the member has acutout portion.
 14. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the garmentincludes multiple apertures for receiving extremities of the wearer. 15.A device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a head-positioningportion adapted for receiving a head of the wearer.
 16. A method fortreating plagiocephaly, comprising: instructing a human to wear a deviceas recited in claim
 1. 17. A method for treating plagiocephaly,comprising: wearing a device as recited in claim
 1. 18. A method forpreventing plagiocephaly, comprising: wearing a device as recited inclaim 1; and repositioning the member after a period of time elapses.19. A device for positioning a body, comprising: a garment adapted to beworn around at least a torso of a wearer; and an elongate member coupledto the garment and having a longitudinal axis oriented generallyparallel to a spine of the wearer when the garment is being worn by thewearer, the member supporting a portion of the wearer's torso in anelevated position when the wearer lays thereon for urging a head of thewearer away from a particular orientation.
 20. A device as recited inclaim 19, wherein the member is coupled to the garment in a positionsuch that the member is located along a back of the wearer when thegarment is being worn by the wearer.
 21. A device as recited in claim19, wherein the member is coupled to the garment in a position such thatthe member is located along a chest of the wearer when the garment isbeing worn by the wearer.
 22. A method for treating plagiocephaly,comprising: instructing a human to wear a device as recited in claim 19.23. A method for treating plagiocephaly, comprising: wearing a device asrecited in claim
 19. 24. A method for preventing plagiocephaly,comprising: wearing a device as recited in claim 19; and repositioningthe member after a period of time elapses.
 25. A device for positioninga body, comprising: a garment adapted to be worn around at least a torsoof a wearer; a member coupled to the garment, the member supporting aportion of the wearer's torso in an elevated position when the wearerlays thereon for urging a head of the wearer away from a particularorientation.
 26. A device as recited in claim 25, wherein the member iscoupled to the garment in a position such that the member is locatedalong a back of the wearer when the garment is being worn by the wearer.27. A device as recited in claim 25, wherein the member is coupled tothe garment in a position such that the member is located along a chestof the wearer when the garment is being worn by the wearer.
 28. A methodfor treating plagiocephaly, comprising: instructing a human to wear adevice as recited in claim
 25. 29. A method for treating plagiocephaly,comprising: wearing a device as recited in claim
 25. 30. A method forpreventing plagiocephaly, comprising: wearing a device as recited inclaim 25; and repositioning the member after a period of time elapses.31. A kit containing a device for positioning a body, comprising: agarment adapted to be worn on a body of a wearer; and at least onemember being coupleable to the garment, the at least one member beingfor supporting a portion of the wearer's body in an elevated positionwhen the wearer lays thereon.
 32. A kit as recited in claim 31, furthercomprising a sleeve being coupleable to the garment, the sleeve beingfor receiving the at least one member for coupling the at least onemember to the garment.
 33. A kit as recited in claim 31, furthercomprising a plurality of sleeves being coupleable to the garment, thesleeves being for receiving the at least one member for coupling the atleast one member to the garment.
 34. A kit as recited in claim 31,wherein multiple members are provided, wherein at least some of themembers have differing longitudinal lengths.
 35. A kit as recited inclaim 31, wherein multiple members are provided, wherein at least someof the members have differing cross sectional shapes.
 36. A kit asrecited in claim 31, further comprising a head-supporting portion beingoperatively coupleable to the garment.
 37. A method for assisting inurging a head of the wearer away from a particular orientation, themethod comprising: selecting a garment adapted to be worn on a body of awearer, the garment having a member coupled thereto, the membersupporting a portion of the wearer's body in an elevated position whenthe wearer lays thereon such that a head of the wearer is urged awayfrom a particular orientation; and assisting in acquiring possession ofthe garment by the wearer.